macos-design

# macOS Native App Design Skill Build interfaces that feel like they belong on the user's computer — not websites crammed into a window. ## Core Philosophy A native app is not a destination. It is a **system tool** that lives where the user needs it. Design every interaction around this principle: appear when needed, get out of the way immediately after. ## Before You Code Read these references based on what you're building: - **All macOS apps** → Read `references/layout-and-composition.md` (required) - **Apps with keyboard shortcuts, panels, toasts, popovers** → Read `references/interaction-patterns.md` - **Light/dark mode, color, typography** → Read `references/visual-design.md` ## Quick-Start Checklist Use this as a pre-flight before writing any code: 1. **Layout**: Top bar for global actions, sidebar for navigation (skip if nav is minimal), center for content 2. **Traffic lights**: Integrate into the UI — top bar or sidebar, never floating awkwardly 3. **Window drag zone**: Top ~50px must be draggable, keep it uncluttered 4. **Empty states**: Show them. Progressive disclosure — only reveal UI when it's useful 5. **Keyboard shortcuts**: Every primary action needs one. Every shortcut needs visual feedback 6. **Light + Dark mode**: Design both. Do NOT directly invert colors (see visual-design reference) 7. **Search**: Always prominent and accessible. Consider floating search bar or command palette 8. **Drag and drop**: Content in AND out of the app. This is non-nego...